FORMER Kaizer Chiefs captain Tefu “Masha” Mashamaite has declared war on his SuperSport United teammates – Morgan Gould and Clayton Daniels.
The 32-year-old player from Senwabarwana in Limpopo says he is ready to challenge Gould and Daniels for a starting spot at SuperSport.
The lanky defender, who joined Matsatsantsa a Pitori at the beginning of last season from Swedish side HK Hackem, has not made much of an impact since his arrival.
He has been battling with a knee injury and spent the past season on the sidelines.
He has seen only 10 minutes of play in the league this season, when his side defeated Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium a fortnight ago.
The former Chiefs and Bidvest Wits captain is fully aware that being a regular in the Matsatsantsa lineup will require a lot of work.
His coach Eric Tinkler gave him a big test on Sunday, fielding Masha for the full 90 minutes when they defeated the Ke Yona Team 2-1 at Makhulong Stadium.
“I feel good,” said Masha. “This was my first 90 minutes since recovering from injury. I didn’t cramp at all. It takes patience in this game.”
Daniels and Gould have been Tinkler’s preferred pairing in the heart of defence. Their outstanding performance at club level has also earned them a place in the Bafana Bafana squad.
And Masha also faces Teboho Mokoena, Denwin Farmer and new signing Azubuike Egwuekwe, who are all capable players in central defence.
But he is unfazed: “I am not at my level best yet. Match fitness is the only area of concern I need to work on. The experience is there, it’s just about working on my fitness and the psychological aspect.
“I know it won’t be easy, competition is tough. I have to fight for my place. But I like it because it is healthy competition.”